(LifeScript Health News) Popular foods and beverages found in many Americans’ kitchens may contain mercury, a toxic compound that could lead to a tingling sensation, depression or blurred vision. Two recent studies show mercury levels in products containing high-fructose corn syrup, a sweetener commonly laced into sodas, salad dressings, cereals, breads, yogurts, soup, and condiments. Americans consume an average of 12 teaspoons a day of high-fructose corn syrup.

One study found mercury in one-third of 55 brand-name products, particularly in products containing high-fructose corn syrup. Published in the journal Environmental Health, another study reports small levels of mercury in nine of 20 samples of commercially-used high-fructose corn syrup.

Dr. David Wallinga, a co-author of the studies and director of food and health at the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, urged the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to make swift changes to stop mercury contamination in the food supply.